Standoff feature for appliance

ABSTRACT

A standoff feature for an appliance includes a connecting member having a first end and a second end. A first side member extends in a first direction from the first end of the connecting member. A second side member is spaced from the first side member. The second side member extends in the first direction from the second end of the connecting member. A first flange extends from a first side edge of the connecting member. The first side edge extends between the first end and the second end. The first flange extends in a second direction from the connecting member. A second flange extends from a second side edge of the connecting member. The second side edge extends between the first end and the second end and opposes the first side edge. The second flange extends in the second direction from the connecting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/386,852, filed on Jul. 28, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,486,626,entitled “STANDOFF FEATURE FOR APPLIANCE,” which is a continuation ofand claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/567,080,filed on Sep. 11, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,085,691, entitled“STANDOFF FEATURE FOR APPLIANCE,” each disclosure to which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a standoff feature, and morespecifically, to a standoff feature for an appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Appliances are often a combination of several panels assembled in aselected configuration. The panels are often adhered, fastened, orotherwise coupled together to form the appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a standoff assemblyfor an appliance includes a trim breaker defining a channel. A standofffeature is disposed within the channel. The standoff feature includes aconnecting member disposed proximate a bottom surface within thechannel. The connecting member has a first end and a second end thatopposes the first end. A first side member is disposed proximate a firstside surface within the channel. The first side member extends from thefirst end of the connecting member. A second side member is disposedproximate a second side surface within the channel. The second sidemember extends from the second end of the connecting member. At leastone flange extends from at least one side edge of the connecting member.The at least one side edge extends between the first end and the secondend. The at least one side flange extends toward the bottom surface. Atleast one tapered projection extends from each of the first side memberand the second side member and toward one of the first side surface andthe second side surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a standofffeature for an appliance includes a connecting member having a first endand a second end. A first side member extends in a first direction fromthe first end of the connecting member. A second side member is spacedfrom the first side member. The second side member extends in the firstdirection from the second end of the connecting member. A first flangeextends from a first side edge of the connecting member. The first sideedge extends between the first end and the second end. The first flangeextends in a second direction from the connecting member. A secondflange extends from a second side edge of the connecting member. Thesecond side edge extends between the first end and the second end andopposes the first side edge. The second flange extends in the seconddirection from the connecting member.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a standofffeature includes a base. The base includes a first side member coupledto a second side member via a connecting member. The first side memberand the second side member extend from opposing ends of the connectingmember. A plurality of tapered projections extends from the base. Theplurality of tapered projections includes a first tapered projectionextending from a first edge of the first side member. The first taperedprojection extends along a length of the first side member. A secondtapered projection extends from a second edge of the first side member.The first edge opposes the second edge. The second tapered projectionextends along the length of the first side member. A third taperedprojection extends from a first edge of the second side member. Thefirst tapered projection extends along a length of the second sidemember. A fourth tapered projection extends from a second edge of thesecond side member. The first edge of the second side member opposes thesecond edge of the second side member. The fourth tapered projectionextends along the length of the second side member.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an appliance, according to oneexample;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of an insulating appliance,according to one example;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of a trim breaker of an appliance,according to one example;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a standoff feature, according to oneexample;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a standoff feature, according to oneexample;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a standoff feature, according to oneexample;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the standoff feature disposed withinthe channel of the trim breaker of FIG. 3 , taken at area VII;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the standoff feature disposed withinthe channel of the trim breaker of FIG. 3 , taken along line VIII-VIII;and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method of assembly of a standoff assemblyfor an appliance, according to one example.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a standoff feature foran appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method stepshave been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in thedrawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent tounderstanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the descriptionherein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings representlike elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-9 , reference numeral 10 generally designates astandoff assembly for an appliance 14 that includes a trim breaker 18that defines a channel 22. A standoff feature 26 is disposed on a bottomsurface 30 within the channel 22. The standoff feature 26 includes abase 34 with a horizontal flange 36 and a vertical tapered projection42. An adhesive 46 is disposed within the channel 22 that is defined bythe trim breaker 18. An outer wrapper 50 has an outer edge 54. The outeredge 54 is disposed within the channel 22 that is defined by the trimbreaker 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the appliance 14 is illustrated as arefrigerator having a cabinet 58 defining refrigerator and freezercompartments 62, 66. While illustrated as a bottom mount refrigerator,the appliance 14 may be, for example, a bottom mount French doorrefrigerator, a top mount refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator, a4-door French door refrigerator, and/or a 5-door French doorrefrigerator. Further, the present disclosure is not limited torefrigerators. The appliance 14 may be, for example, freezers, coolers,ovens, dishwashers, laundry appliances, water heaters, vacuum insulatedstructures, and other similar appliances and fixtures within householdand commercial settings.

The appliance 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an insulatingappliance 14, which includes at least the trim breaker 18, the outerwrapper 50, and an inner liner 70. The outer wrapper 50 may include aplurality of outer wrapper panels 52 and the inner liner 70 may includea plurality of inner liner panels 72. However, in alternateconfigurations of the appliance 14, panels of the appliance 14 (e.g.,the trim breaker 18, the plurality of outer wrapper panels 52, and theplurality of inner liner panels 72) may be configured as othercomponents. The outer wrapper 50 and the inner liner 70 are coupled tothe trim breaker 18 to define an insulating cavity 74 in which one ormore insulation materials 78 may be disposed. The insulation materials78 may be carbon-based powder and/or silicon oxide based materials,however, it is generally contemplated that other insulation materials 78may be used. Additionally, the insulation materials 78 can befree-flowing materials that can be poured, blown, compacted, orotherwise disposed within the insulating cavity 74. This free-flowingmaterial can be in the form of various silica-based materials, such asfumed silica, precipitated silica, nano-sized and/or micro-sized aerogelpowder, rice husk ash powder, perlite, glass spheres, hollow glassspheres, cenospheres, diatomaceous earth, combinations thereof, and anyother similar insulating particulate material. The one or moreinsulation materials 78 substantially fill the insulating cavity 74,forming a substantially continuous layer between the outer wrapper 50and the inner liner 70. A vacuum 82, or at least a partial vacuum 82,may be defined within the insulating cavity 74 where the vacuum 82defines a pressure differential 86 between an exterior 90 of theappliance 14 and the insulating cavity 74. This pressure differential 86serves to define an inward compressive force 94 that is exerted uponboth the outer wrapper 50 and the inner liner 70, and tends to bias theouter wrapper 50 and the inner liner 70 toward the insulating cavity 74of the appliance 14. The vacuum 82 within the insulating cavity 74 alsotends to cause gas to infiltrate into the insulating cavity 74 from anarea exterior to the appliance 14. This infiltration of gas is sometimesreferred to as gas permeation.

The outer wrapper 50 and the inner liner 70 may be configured to formthe cabinet 58 of the appliance 14. In this way, the outer wrapper 50has a three-dimensional shape and defines a central cavity 98. The innerliner 70 may correspond with the outer wrapper 50 and may have aplurality of surfaces 102 on the plurality of outer wrapper panels 52that define an inner cavity 106. It is generally contemplated that theinner liner 70 may be received within the central cavity 98 of the outerwrapper 50, thus partially defining the insulating cavity 74.Additionally, the outer wrapper 50 and the inner liner 70 may includematerials capable of, at least partially, resisting, bending, biasing,or otherwise being formed in response to the inward compressive force94. These materials for the trim breaker 18 and the outer wrapper 50 mayinclude, but are not limited to, metals, plastics, polymers, metalalloys, combinations thereof, and other similar substantially rigidmaterials that can be used for vacuum insulated structures withinappliances 14.

It is contemplated that the trim breaker 18 may be coupled to the outeredges 54 of the outer wrapper 50 and/or the inner liner 70. Asillustrated in FIG. 2 , the trim breaker 18 has a generally rectangularshape, however, it is contemplated that other geometric shapes known inthe art may be used. In this way, the trim breaker 18 may notsubstantially interfere with access to the refrigerator and freezercompartments 62, 66 defined by the cabinet 58. The channel 22 may bedefined around a perimeter of the trim breaker 18. The channel 22 may beconfigured to receive the outer edges 54 of the outer wrapper 50 and/orthe inner liner 70. It is also contemplated that the trim breaker 18 maydefine more than one channel 22 to accommodate the outer wrapper 50 andthe inner liner 70 in separate channels 22. The channel 22 may be filledwith the adhesive 46 (FIG. 8 ), such as, for example, an epoxy. Theadhesive 46 is configured to couple the outer wrapper 50 and/or theinner liner 70 with the trim breaker 18.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 , in various configurations, the trim breaker18 may include a cross member 110 to define apertures 114 correspondingto the refrigerator and freezer compartments 62, 66 of the appliance 14.The channel 22 defined by the trim breaker 18 may extend around theperimeter of the trim breaker 18 as well as along the cross member 110.Additionally or alternatively, the trim breaker 18 may define at leastone channel 22 around the perimeter of the aperture 114 correspondingwith the refrigerator compartment 62 and at least one channel 22 aroundthe perimeter of the aperture 114 corresponding to the freezercompartment 66. It is contemplated that the configuration of the channel22 may depend on the configuration of the appliance 14.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6 , the standoff feature 26 may be disposedwithin the channel 22 defined by the trim breaker 18 (FIG. 2 ). Thestandoff feature 26 includes the base 34. The base 34 may include afirst vertical member 118 and a second vertical member 122 coupled via ahorizontal member 126 therebetween. The horizontal member 126 may becoupled to lower portions 130 of the first and second vertical members118, 122 to form a generally U-shaped standoff feature 26. Stateddifferently, the first and second vertical members 118, 122 may bespaced-apart from one another and define an opening 134 therebetween.Further, the first and second vertical members 118, 122 may extendvertically upward from first opposing edges 138 of the horizontal member126. The first and second vertical members 118, 122 may be arrangedgenerally parallel to one another. According to various aspects, thefirst and second vertical members 118, 122 may be generally linear. Inthis way, the lower portions 130 and upper portions 142 of the first andsecond vertical members 118, 122 may be substantially vertically alignedwith one another. The lower and upper portions 130, 142 may also besubstantially vertically aligned with the first opposing edges 138 ofthe horizontal member 126.

Additionally or alternatively, the first and second vertical members118, 122 may be arcuate and/or curved. In such an example, and asillustrated in FIG. 4 , the first and second vertical members 118, 122may arc away from one another as the first and second vertical members118, 122 extend further from the horizontal member 126. In this way, thelower portions 130 of the first and second vertical members 118, 122 mayalign with the first opposing edges 138 of the horizontal member 126,but the upper portions 142 of the first and second vertical members 118,122 may not. As illustrated, the first and second vertical members 118,122 extend a substantially same distance from the horizontal member 126,however, it is also contemplated that the first and second verticalmembers 118, 122 may extend different distances from the horizontalmember 126, based on the selected configuration of the standoff feature26.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-6 , the first and second vertical members118, 122 may increase in width as the first and second vertical members118, 122 extend away from the horizontal member 126. In this way, awidth of the lower portions 130 of the first and second vertical members118, 122 may be less than a width of the upper portions 142 of the firstand second vertical members 118, 122. The width may increase gradually,exponentially, in steps, and/or in irregular patterns. Further, thefirst and second vertical members 118, 122 are illustrated assubstantially similar shapes and sizes, however, it is contemplated thatthe first and second vertical members 118, 122 may have different shapesand/or sizes based on the selected configuration of the standoff feature26.

The horizontal member 126 may extend between the first and secondvertical members 118, 122. The horizontal member 126 may have asubstantially similar width along the entire length of the horizontalmember 126. In this way, the first and second vertical members 118, 122coupled to the horizontal member 126 may be horizontally aligned withone another.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-6 , the standoff feature 26 may include thehorizontal flange 36. As illustrated, the standoff feature 26 includesfirst and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 extending in opposingdirections from second opposing edges 146 of the horizontal member 126.However, it is also contemplated that fewer or more horizontal flanges36 may be included in the standoff feature 26 without departing from theteachings herein. The first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 mayextend a substantially same distance from the horizontal member 126 ofthe base 34. In this way, the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40may have substantially similar widths. It is also contemplated that thefirst and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may be different sizes and/orshapes. The first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may slopedownward at an angle from an inner surface 150 of the horizontal member126 of the base 34. In this way, proximal edges 154 of the first andsecond horizontal flanges 38, 40 coupled to the horizontal member 126may be vertically offset from distal edges 158 of the first and secondhorizontal flanges 38, 40. It is contemplated that the first and secondhorizontal flanges 38, 40 may extend at substantially similar, oralternatively, at different angles relative to the base 34. Moreover,according to various aspects, the horizontal member 126 of the base 34and the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may form a generallyparabolic shape with a vertex of the parabolic shape at the highestpoint (e.g., the inner surface 150 of the horizontal member 126).Further, the horizontal member 126 of the base 34 and the first andsecond horizontal flanges 38, 40 may form a continuous smooth surface toreduce and/or prevent entrainment of gaseous bubbles (e.g., air bubbles)within the adhesive 46 (FIG. 8 ) and/or the channel 22 proximate thestandoff feature 26.

In various examples, the base 34 may include the vertical taperedprojection 42 extending therefrom. As illustrated in each of theexamples depicted in FIGS. 4-6 , the standoff feature 26 includes afirst pair of vertical tapered projections 44A extending from the firstvertical member 118 and a second pair of vertical tapered projections44B extending from the second vertical member 122. While illustratedhaving the four individual vertical tapered projections 42A-42D, it isunderstood that any number of vertical tapered projections 42 may beincluded in standoff feature 26. The first and second pairs of verticaltapered projections 44A, 44B may extend outwardly from opposing sideedges 162 of the first and second vertical members 118, 122,respectively.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-6 , the vertical tapered projections 42A-42Deach include a lower edge 166 and an upper edge 170. A width of thelower edge 166 may be greater than the width of the upper edge 170. Thewidths may decrease in a gradual, an exponential, a stepped, and/or anirregular manner. In examples where the first and second verticalmembers 118, 122 have the upper portions 142 with a greater width thanthe lower portions 130, the decreasing widths of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D, from the lower edges 166 to upper edges 170, maycorrespond with the increasing width of the first and second verticalmembers 118, 122. In this way, inside edges 174 of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D may be arcuate and/or curved to follow the arcuateopposing side edges 162 of the first and second vertical members 118,122, respectively. The upper portion 142 of first vertical member 118and outside edges 182 of the vertical tapered projections 44A, 44B forma substantially rectangular shape. Similarly, the upper portion 142 ofthe second vertical member 122 and the outside edges 182 of the verticaltapered projections 44A, 44B may also be arranged to form asubstantially rectangular shape. The outside edges 182 of the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D may be substantially vertical and may beoriented substantially perpendicular to the horizontal member 126.

According to various aspects, the inside edges 174 of the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D may be coupled along the entire height ofthe opposing side edges 162 of the first and second vertical members118, 122, respectively. Each of the vertical tapered projections 42A-42Dextends outward at an angle away from the base 34 of the standofffeature 26. In various examples, the first and second pairs of verticaltapered projections 44A, 44B extend outward from the base 34 at an anglein a range of from approximately 30° to approximately 60°. Each of thevertical tapered projections 42A-42D may extend away from the base 34 ata substantially similar angle or, alternatively, may extend away fromthe base 34 at different angles. The vertical tapered projections 42A,42B of the first pair of vertical tapered projections 44A may have asimilar configuration as the vertical tapered projections 42C, 42D ofthe second pair of vertical tapered projections 44B, or alternatively,may have different configurations than that of the vertical taperedprojections 42C, 42D. Moreover, the first and second vertical members118, 122 of the base 34 and the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D mayform generally parabolic shapes, respectively, with vertices of theparabolic shapes at the innermost points oriented toward one another.According to various aspects, the first and second vertical members 118,122 of the base 34 and vertical tapered projections 42A-42D may formcontinuous smooth surfaces that prevent and/or reduce entrainment ofgaseous bubbles within the adhesive 46 (FIG. 8 ) and/or the channel 22.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-6 , the standoff feature 26 may be formed ofseparate components coupled together. Alternatively, part or all of thecomponents of the standoff feature 26 may be integrally formed. In someexamples, the standoff feature 26 may be a single unitary member. Forexample, the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D and the first andsecond vertical members 118, 122, respectively, may be integrally formedto produce continuous smooth surfaces. Further, the horizontal member126 and the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may be integrallyformed to produce a continuous smooth surface. The continuous surfacesmay be advantageous for reducing and/or preventing gaseous bubbleentrainment and/or entrapment within the adhesive 46 (FIG. 8 ) and/orthe channel 22. According to various aspects, the first and secondvertical members 118, 122 may be integrally formed with the horizontalmember 126 and/or the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D may beintegrally formed with the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40.The assembly of the various components of the standoff feature 26 mayresult in inner corners 186 formed between the first and second verticalmembers 118, 122 and the horizontal member 126, as well as between thevertical tapered projections 42A-42D and the first and second horizontalflanges 38, 40, respectively. In various examples, the inner corners 186may be filleted to produce a more continuous surface between adjacentcomponents. This may be advantageous for promoting the reduction ofgaseous bubble entrainment within the channel 22 and/or within theadhesive 46 (FIG. 8 ) proximate the standoff feature 26.

In various examples, the lower edges 166 of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D may be coupled to the first and second horizontalflanges 38, 40. The lower edges 166 of the vertical tapered projections42A, 42B may be coupled to first side edges 190 of the first and secondhorizontal flanges 38, 40, and the lower edges 166 of the verticaltapered projections 42C, 42D may be coupled to opposing second sideedges 194 of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40. At least aportion, or the entirety, of the lower edges 166 of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D may be coupled to the first and second horizontalflanges 38, 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the vertical tapered projections 42A-42Dextend along and are coupled to a portion of the first and second sideedges 190, 194 of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40. Inthis way, the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D may not extend thesame width as the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40. However,it is contemplated that at least a portion of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D may extend a same and/or greater width than thefirst and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 without departing from theteachings herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the coupling of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D to the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40may alter a length of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40. Invarious aspects, the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may havea substantially same, or similar, length as the horizontal member 126 ofthe base 34. In this way, the first and second side edges 190, 194 ofthe first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may be aligned with thefirst opposing edges 138 of the horizontal member 126. Alternatively,the length of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may vary asa result of being coupled with the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D.The length of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 mayincrease to follow the outward angles of the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D relative to the base 34. Additionally oralternatively, the length of the first and second horizontal flanges 38,40 may continue to increase, remain substantially the same, and/ordecrease as the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 extend beyondthe outside edges 182 of the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an additional and/or alternative configuration ofthe standoff feature 26 is illustrated. The first and second verticalmembers 118, 122 may extend substantially perpendicular from thehorizontal member 126, or alternatively, may extend vertically upward atan obtuse angle relative to the horizontal member 126. In examples wherethe first and second vertical members 118, 122 each extend at the obtuseangle relative to the horizontal member 126, the opening 134 between thefirst and second vertical members 118, 122 may be increased. The firstand second vertical members 118, 122 may extend at same or differentobtuse angles, or other angles, without departing from the teachingsherein.

In various examples, the first pair of vertical tapered projections 44A(e.g., the vertical tapered projections 42A, 42B) may extend outwardfrom the opposing side edges 162 of the first vertical member 118, andthe second pair vertical tapered projections 44B (e.g., the verticaltapered projections 42C, 42D) may extend outward from the opposing sideedges 162 of the second vertical member 122. Each of the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D may be substantially similar, oralternatively, different in size, shape, and/or angle relative to thebase 34. Further, the outside edges 182 of the tapered projections42A-42D may be obliquely oriented relative to the first and secondvertical members 118, 122, respectively. In this way, the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D may be substantially triangular. Asillustrated in FIG. 5 , the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D arecoupled to at least a substantial portion of the first and second sideedges 190, 194 of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40. Inthis way, the lengths of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40may gradually increase from the proximal edges 154 proximate thehorizontal member 126 to the distal edges 158, such that the lengthscorrespond with the outwardly angled configuration of the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D.

The standoff feature 26, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , includes a firsttapered ramp 198 coupled to the upper portion 142 of the first verticalmember 118 of the base 34 and a second tapered ramp 202 coupled to theupper portion 142 of the second vertical member 122. In variousexamples, the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D may extend a greaterheight than the first and second vertical members 118, 122 and may becoupled to the first and second tapered ramps 198, 202, respectively.Top edges 206 of the first and second tapered ramps 198, 202 may besubstantially horizontal. In this configuration, the top edges 206 ofthe first and second tapered ramps 198, 202 and the outside edges 182 ofthe vertical tapered projections 42A-42D define substantiallytrapezoidal shapes, respectively.

Still referring to FIG. 5 , the first and second tapered ramps 198, 202may be substantially triangular such that the first and second taperedramps 198, 202 have a greater width proximate the top edges 206 of thefirst and second tapered ramps 198, 202 than a width proximate the upperportions 142 of the first and second vertical members 118, 122. Thefirst and second tapered ramps 198, 202 may be coplanar with the firstand second vertical members 118, 122. Additionally or alternatively, thefirst and second tapered ramps 198, 202 may extend at an angle outwardfrom the upper portions 142 of the first and second vertical members118, 122, respectively. In this way, the top edges 206 of the first andsecond tapered ramps 198, 202 may be offset from the upper portions 142of the first and second vertical members 118, 122, respectively, and maynot be vertically aligned with the upper portions 142 and/or the firstopposing edges 138 of the horizontal member 126.

Referring to FIG. 6 , another additional and/or alternativeconfiguration of the standoff feature 26 is illustrated. The upperportions 142 of the first and second vertical members 118, 122 may berounded. The vertical tapered projections 42A-42D may extend upward andmay couple to the first and second vertical members 118, 122,respectively, proximate the rounded upper portions 142. In this way, thefirst and second vertical members 118, 122 with the vertical taperedprojections 42A-42D may form substantially triangular shapes. In variousaspects, the lower edges 166 of the vertical tapered projections 42A-42Dmay be coupled to the entire width of the first and second side edges190, 194 of the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40,respectively, and form filleted inner corners 186 therebetween. Thestandoff feature 26, illustrated in FIG. 6 , may have a greater heightand/or a decreased length relative to the standoff features 26illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the standoff feature 26 is illustrated within thechannel 22 that is defined by the trim breaker 18. It is contemplatedthat any of the standoff features 26 disclosed herein may be disposedwithin the channel 22, such that FIG. 7 is not limiting but is merelyexemplary. The standoff feature 26 may be disposed on the bottom surface30 of the channel 22 and may abut side surfaces 210 within the channel22. The side surfaces 210 may be spaced-apart and arranged generallyparallel to one another. As such, the length of the standoff feature 26may substantially correspond with the distance between the side surfaces210. The height of the standoff feature 26 may substantially correspondwith, or alternatively be greater or less than, the height definedwithin the channel 22.

The first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may extend upward fromthe distal edges 158 disposed flush with the bottom surface 30 withinthe channel 22 to the proximal edges 154 disposed flush with the innersurface 150 of the horizontal member 126. In various examples, thehorizontal member 126 may be spaced-apart from the bottom surface 30 asa result of the angled orientation of the first and second horizontalflanges 38, 40. In a non-limiting example, the horizontal member 126 maybe spaced-apart from the bottom surface 30 by about 1 mm and the firstand second horizontal flanges 38, 40 may each have a width of about 2mm. In another non-limiting example, the horizontal member 126 may bespaced-apart from the bottom surface 30 by about 2 mm and the first andsecond horizontal flanges 38, 40 may each have a width of about 4 mm.Further, according to various aspects, the vertical tapered projections42A-42D may extend at an angle from the outside edges 182 disposed flushwith the side surfaces 210 within the channel 22 to inside edges 174disposed flush with the inner surfaces 150 of the first and secondvertical members 118, 122, respectively. Similar to the horizontalmember 126, the first and second vertical members 118, 122 may be spacedapart from the side surfaces 210 as a result of the angled orientationof the vertical tapered projections 42A-42D and/or the first and secondtapered ramp 198, 202. The first and second tapered ramps 198, 202 mayextend from the top edges 206 disposed flush with the side surfaces 210to bottom edges 214 disposed flush with the inner surfaces 150 of thefirst and second vertical members 118, 122, respectively. In this way,the standoff feature 26 may form a plurality of smooth surfaces withinthe channel 22. As illustrated, the standoff feature 26 forms threesmooth, continuous surfaces, including one surface disposed over thebottom surface 30 within the channel 22 and one surface disposedadjacent to each of the side surfaces 210 within the channel 22.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the standoff feature 26 having smooth surfaces maybe advantageous to promote reduction of the entrainment of gaseousbubbles relative to gaseous bubble entrainment that can result from thefluid encountering a 90° angle. A standoff assembly 10 for the appliance14 may be assembled by dispensing the adhesive 46 into the channel 22with the standoff feature 26 disposed therein and positioning the outeredge 54 of the outer wrapper 50 within the channel 22 in the adhesive46. The adhesive 46 in the channel 22 may then be cured and additionaladhesive 46 may be applied. In various examples, the trim breaker 18 maybe formed from plastic materials, but it is understood that othermaterials may be used. The outer wrapper 50 may be formed from metalmaterials or metal alloy materials, but it will be understood that othermaterials may be used. The standoff feature 26 may be disposed withinthe channel 22 such that the outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper 50 maycontact the standoff feature 26 and may be spaced-apart from the bottomsurface 30 within the channel 22. Stated differently, the standofffeature 26 may separate the outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper 50 fromthe trim breaker 18. In this way, the outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper50 may contact at least the base 34 of the standoff feature 26. WhileFIG. 8 illustrates the assembly of the trim breaker 18 and the outerwrapper 50, it is also contemplated that the inner liner 70 may beconstructed and assembled in a similar manner.

According to various aspects, the standoff feature 26 may be disposedwithin the channel 22 prior to the insertion of the adhesive 46. It isalso contemplated that the adhesive 46 may be dispensed into the channel22 before and/or after the standoff feature 26 based on theconfiguration of the standoff assembly 10. The adhesive 46 may bedispensed into the opening 134 defined between the first and secondvertical members 118, 122. The smooth surfaces defined by the base 34,the first and second horizontal flanges 38, 40, and/or the verticaltapered projections 42A-42D may promote the reduction of the entrainmentof gaseous bubbles within the adhesive 46. Stated differently, thestandoff feature 26 may discourage the formation and/or entrainment ofgaseous bubbles within the channel 22 and/or within the adhesive 46. Ina non-limiting example, the gaseous bubbles may be eliminated from thechannel 22 and/or the adhesive. In an additional non-limiting example,the gaseous bubble entrainment may be reduced relative to gaseous bubbleentrainment that results from the adhesive 46 encountering a 90° angle.

Referring to FIG. 9 , and with further reference to FIGS. 1-8 , a method300 of assembling the standoff assembly 10 may include a step 304 ofproviding the trim breaker 18 that defines the channel 22. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the appliance 14 includes the trimbreaker 18, however, in other configurations of the appliance 14, thetrim breaker 18 may be any practicable panel. A next step 308 of themethod 300 may include positioning the standoff feature 26 within thechannel 22. In various aspects, the step 308 may include positioningmore than one standoff feature 26 in the channel 22. In examples havingmore than one standoff feature 26, the standoff features 26 may bearranged in a spaced-apart configuration relative to another. Thestandoff features 26 may be disposed at regular or irregular intervalswithin channel 22. In various aspects, the standoff features 26 may bearranged along the entire channel 22 or arranged in a portion of thechannel 22.

A step 312 may include dispensing the adhesive 46 (e.g., the epoxy) intothe channel 22 and over the standoff feature 26. The step 312 may alsoinclude dispensing the adhesive 46 within the opening 134 definedbetween the first and second vertical members 118, 122 of the standofffeature 26. The adhesive 46 may be dispensed in a single direction alongthe channel 22 by a caulk gun or other similar tools. The adhesive 46may have a laminar flow profile. The smooth surfaces of the standofffeature 26 may reduce gaseous bubble entrainment within the adhesive 46.This may be advantageous for reducing gaseous bubbles that form betweenthe adhesive 46 and the standoff feature 26 and/or the bottom and sidesurfaces 30, 210 within the channel 22. Moreover, the promotion of thereduction of gaseous bubble entrainment may reduce and/or preventinclusions and/or stress risers in the appliance 14.

Next, a step 316 may include positioning the outer edge 54 of the outerwrapper 50 within the channel 22 and in the adhesive 46. The step 316may include positioning the outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper 50against the horizontal members 126 of the standoff feature 26 in anabutting configuration. The outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper 50 mayalso be positioned in an abutting configuration with the first andsecond vertical members 118, 122 of the standoff feature 26.Additionally, the outer edge 54 of the outer wrapper 50 may bepositioned in a manner that is spaced-apart from the bottom and/or sidesurfaces 30, 210 within the channel 22. The step 316 may also includepositioning the inner liner 70 within the same and/or an additionalchannel 22 defined by the trim breaker 18 in a similar manner. Further,in other configurations of the appliance 14, the outer wrapper 50 andthe inner liner 70 may be any other practicable feature or panel.

Use of the present disclosure may provide a variety of advantages. Forexample, the standoff feature 26 may form a buffer between the trimbreaker 18 and the outer wrapper 50 and/or the inner liner 70.Additionally, the standoff feature 26 may form smooth surfaces topromote the reduction of gaseous bubble entrainment in the adhesive 46,or another fluid, dispensed within the channel 22. Further, the standofffeature 26, disclosed herein, may have a reduced number of sharp angles(e.g., 90° angles), which can cause the formation of gaseous bubbles inthe adhesive 46. In this way, the standoff feature 26 may reduce thesize and/or quantity of gaseous bubbles formed within the adhesive 46.This may be advantageous for reducing stress locations within theappliance 14 that can be caused by gaseous bubbles. Further, ininsulating appliances 14, the reduction of gaseous bubbles by thestandoff feature 26 may provide an airtight seal within the insulatingappliance 14. Moreover, the standoff feature 26 may reduce and/orprevent thermal conduction between the trim breaker 18, the outerwrapper 50, and/or the inner liner 70. Additional benefits or advantagesof using this device may also be realized and/or achieved.

According to another aspect, a standoff assembly for an applianceincludes a trim breaker that defines a channel. A standoff feature isdisposed on a bottom surface within the channel. The standoff featureincludes a base that has at least one horizontal flange and at least onevertical tapered projection extending therefrom. An adhesive is disposedwithin the channel that is defined by the trim breaker. An outer wrapperhas an outer edge. The outer edge is disposed within the channel that isdefined by the trim breaker.

According to another aspect, an outer edge of an outer wrapper contactsa base of a standoff feature and is spaced-apart from a bottom surfacewithin a channel.

According to still another aspect, a base includes a first verticalmember and a second vertical member coupled via a horizontal membertherebetween.

According to another aspect, at least one horizontal flange includes afirst horizontal flange and a second horizontal flange extending inopposing directions from a horizontal member of a base.

According to still another aspect, first and second horizontal flangesextend upward from outer edges flush with a bottom surface to inneredges flush with an inner surface of a horizontal member.

According to another aspect, at least one vertical tapered projectionincludes a first pair of vertical tapered projections that extend from afirst vertical member and a second pair of vertical tapered projectionsthat extend from a second vertical member.

According to yet another aspect, first and second pairs of verticaltapered projections extend from outside edges flush with side surfaceswithin a channel and inside edges flush with inner surfaces of first andsecond vertical members, respectively.

According to still another aspect, a base and at least one horizontalflange define a surface to promote a reduction of gaseous bubbles withinan adhesive proximate a standoff feature.

According to another aspect, a base and at least one vertical taperedprojection define a surface to promote a reduction of gaseous bubbleswithin an adhesive proximate a standoff feature.

According to yet another aspect, a base includes first and secondvertical members that define an opening therebetween. An adhesive and anouter edge of an outer wrapper are disposed within the opening.

According to another aspect, a standoff feature for an applianceincludes a base that has first and second vertical members spaced-apartfrom one another and coupled via a horizontal member. First and secondhorizontal flanges extend outward from opposing edges of the horizontalmember. A first pair of vertical tapered projections extend outward fromopposing side edges of the first vertical member. A second pair ofvertical tapered projections extend outward from opposing side edges ofthe second vertical member.

According to another aspect, first and second vertical members each havegreater upper widths that are proximate upper edges of first and secondpairs of vertical tapered projection than lower widths that areproximate a horizontal member.

According to still another aspect, lower edges of each vertical taperedprojection of first and second pairs of vertical tapered projectionsincludes a greater width than upper edges of the vertical taperedprojections.

According to yet another aspect, first and second pairs of verticaltapered projections are integrally formed with first and secondhorizontal flanges that define filleted corners therebetween.

According to another aspect, first and second pairs of vertical taperedprojections and first and second vertical members of a base definesurfaces, respectively, to promote a reduction of gaseous bubbles in afluid proximate the base.

According to still another aspect, first and second horizontal flangesand a horizontal member of a base define a surface to promote areduction of gaseous bubbles in a fluid proximate the base.

According to another aspect, a first tapered ramp is coupled to an upperportion of a first vertical member of a base. A second tapered ramp iscoupled to an upper portion of a second vertical member of the base.

According to yet another aspect, a method of assembling a standoffassembly includes providing a trim breaker that defines a channel. Morethan one standoff features with a plurality of surfaces are positionedin the channel, in a spaced-apart configuration, relative to oneanother. An adhesive is dispensed into the channel and over theplurality of surfaces of the more than one standoff features. An outeredge of an outer wrapper panel is positioned within the channel and inthe adhesive.

According to another aspect, an adhesive is dispensed between verticalmembers of more than one standoff feature.

According to still another aspect, an outer edge of an outer wrapper ispositioned against horizontal members of more than one standoff featureand spaced-apart from a bottom surface within a channel of a trimbreaker.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A standoff feature, comprising: a base assemblyincluding: a connecting member; and flanges extending from opposingedges of the connecting member, wherein the flanges extend from an innersurface of the connecting member, and wherein the flanges extend at anobtuse angle relative to the inner surface; a first side assemblycoupled to a first end of the base assembly, wherein the first sideassembly includes a first side member extending from the connectingmember; and a second side assembly coupled to a second end of the baseassembly, wherein the second side assembly includes a second side memberextending from the connecting member.
 2. The standoff feature of claim1, wherein each of the first side member and the second side member hasa first width at a proximal end coupled to the connecting member and asecond width at a distal end, wherein the second width is greater thanthe first width.
 3. The standoff feature of claim 2, wherein each of thefirst side member and the second side member are arcuate with the distalend offset from the proximal end, respectively.
 4. The standoff featureof claim 1, wherein the first side assembly includes tapered projectionscoupled to opposing sides of the first side member.
 5. The standofffeature of claim 4, wherein the tapered projections extend from aproximal end to a distal end of the first side member, and wherein afirst combined width of the tapered projections and the proximal end ofthe first side member is equal to a second combined width of the taperedprojections and the distal end of the first side member.
 6. The standofffeature of claim 4, wherein each tapered projection extends at an acuteangle relative to an outer surface of the first side member.
 7. Astandoff feature comprising: at least one side assembly including: aside member; tapered projections coupled to opposing sides of the sidemember; and a ramp coupled to a distal end of the side member, whereinthe tapered projections extend from a proximate end of the side memberto a distal edge of the ramp; and a base assembly including a connectingmember, wherein the side member of the at least one side assembly iscoupled to the connecting member.
 8. The standoff feature of claim 7,wherein an obtuse angle is defined between an inner surface of theconnecting member and an inner surface of the side member.
 9. Thestandoff feature of claim 7, wherein the at least one side assemblyincludes a first side assembly coupled to a first end of the connectingmember and a second side assembly coupled to a second end of theconnecting member.
 10. The standoff feature of claim 7, wherein the baseassembly includes flanges extending in opposing directions from theconnecting member.
 11. The standoff feature of claim 10, wherein eachtapered projection is coupled to an edge of one of the flanges,respectively.
 12. The standoff feature of claim 11, wherein a proximaledge of each flange has a first width and a distal edge of each flangehas a second width, the second width being greater than the first width.13. A standoff feature, comprising: a base assembly including: aconnecting member; and flanges extending from the connecting member; afirst side assembly coupled to the base assembly; and a second sideassembly coupled to the base assembly, wherein each of the first sideassembly and the second side assembly includes: a side member coupled tothe connecting member; and tapered projections coupled to opposing sidesof the side member.
 14. The standoff feature of claim 13, wherein thetapered projections of the first side assembly and the taperedprojections of the second side assembly are coupled to the flanges,respectively, via a filleted corner.
 15. The standoff feature of claim14, wherein the tapered projections of the first side assembly and thetapered projections of the second side assembly extend from a proximaledge of the flanges, respectively, to a distal edge of the flanges,respectively.
 16. The standoff feature of claim 15, wherein the proximaledges of the flanges have a width less than a width of the distal edgesof the flanges, respectively.
 17. The standoff feature of claim 13,wherein each side member defines a rounded distal end.
 18. The standofffeature of claim 13, wherein the flanges extend at obtuse angles from aninner surface of the connecting member.
 19. The standoff feature ofclaim 13, wherein each side member extends at an obtuse angle from aninner surface of the connecting member.